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[zxrob]

I've been looking to get a 10r to add to the kwak satble (zx9, zx7 and k1 zxr750), was looking at 08-10 model but going to look at an original beast, 04/5

Apart from the usual stuff, anything to clearly look out for, any recalls or anything like that

Advice mucho appreciated

Cheers Rob

[Wellerman]

I am a new 05 owner and like you I looked at later ones but went for the early model due to its reputation. Can't really advise what to look for more knowledgable people will help you with that but my advice is do it it's an awesome weapon

[fido]

Bought a new '05 in 2005 (yea strange that  ) and did 23000 miles then chopped her in for a new '08.
 The only thing was a new rear wheel a few months after buying her as the paint started to flake off.
 Bullet proof.

[goldie]

Well what can i say i normally change my bike every year but ive owned mine for 3 years now and i havnt got any intension of selling it any time soon.
Its light, got great handling and just fecking nuts!
And its still bloody quick even by todays standards 

[MontyD]

If used on track a lot the 4th gear can go, mine & 3 others I know of have done this but that is after very heavy use.  Also, don't go for one that has had any head work done as they do tend to be much less reliable ... a stock bike is pretty tough and will take some hammer!!
Check the head bearings as they can wear due to wheelie demons.

[zxrob]

Thanks for the replies guys

Rob

[Andy J]

a few things to look out for

- the 04 had a front wheel recall

- a badly wheelied bike can crack the frame welds, have a good look under the tank on the top and bottom weld seams

- most have a steering damper added as they do get lively without one, the owner might try to sell it separately

- Brakes aren't great , a brembo master helps a lot or a later master cylinder or go the whole hog and replace the calipers

- like the other's the airbox needs a good clean as it will fill with debris at the sides of the air filter

- Spark plugs fail individually and need replacing quite often and it's an hours to tweo hours work to do , no problem just awareness

- due to age especially you'll prob want braided brake lines

- headlights aren't great, some will upgrade to HID's

Overall fantastic , I love mine even if the engine has a few challenges, most likely to a lack of use on my part, 8 years on and I still love it just to look at

[fido]

Andy
- Spark plugs fail individually and need replacing quite often and it's an hours to tweo hours work to do , no problem just awareness? ? ?

In the time I had my '05 (3 years 23K miles) the plugs were not replaced, they were checked at the service intervals and were fine so not replaced.

[Crownan]

- a badly wheelied bike can crack the frame welds, have a good look under the tank on the top and bottom weld seams

That's a biggy. Mine had hairline fractures down both sides and when I stacked it that's where it split. From what I hear its a lot more common than is really known but its not easy to spot unless you have a keen eye and are really looking or know what you're looking for in the first place.  Where the engine mounts are, look at the seam welds there.  Apparently it can even occur from over torquing the engine bolts up. 

[r1ninja]

a few things to look out for

- the 04 had a front wheel recall

- a badly wheelied bike can crack the frame welds, have a good look under the tank on the top and bottom weld seams

Also bad wheelie landings can cause failure of the plastic ram air snout that also acts as the front fairing and headlight support bracket.  It was a part that was beefed up by Kawasaki on later 05 models. There used to be metal reinforcing brackets available

http://www.mustardbikes.com.au/O/index_files/Page2292.htm